Remove Tyrant Aurangzeb’s Tomb From National Monument List: Shiv Sena.

Withdraw protected monument status of Aurangzeb’s tomb: Shiv Sena to Centre.

Swayambhu Gaikwad  | HENB | Mumbai | March 28, 2025:: Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai has requested the Union government to revoke the ‘protected monument’ status of Aurangzeb’s tomb at Khultabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. This move is part of the Shiv Sena party’s efforts to address the concerns of right-wing organizations, which have been demanding the removal of the tomb.

The tomb has been a point of contention, with many viewing Aurangzeb as a symbol of oppression. The demand for its removal has gained momentum, leading to tensions in the region. In response, prohibitory orders have been imposed in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city from March 25 to April 8 to maintain law and order during the upcoming festivals.

“Our party MP Rahul Shewale today met Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and put forth the demand in a memorandum to him,” Desai told PTI.

After the nod to lift the protected monument status, the Maharashtra  government will take action within the framework of law, Desai said.

“Our party MP Rahul Shewale today met Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and put forth the demand in a memorandum to him,” Desai told PTI.

After the nod to lift the protected monument status, the state government will take action within the framework of law, Desai said.

Organisations like the Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad have been demanding the removal of the tomb. Security stepped up at Aurangzeb’s tomb amid calls to raze it.

On March 17, tensions escalated in Nagpur when protesters demanding the demolition of the Mughal emperor’s tomb allegedly burnt a picture of Aurangzeb and chadar (green cloth). A mob attacked homes, set vehicles on fire, and went on a rampage.

The Archaeological Survey of India protects Aurangzeb’s tomb, about 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, as a ‘monument of national importance’ under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.

The ASI, under the Union Ministry of Culture, is responsible for preserving monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.

The ASI protected sites include the Qutub Minar, Humayun’s tomb, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Sanchi Stupa and Sun Temple at Konark.

In the state legislature budget session which concluded on Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said in the assembly that the state government will protect Aurangzeb’s tomb but will not allow the Mughal emperor’s glorification, amid repeated calls and protests for its removal by some outfits.

“We will protect Aurangzeb’s grave but not allow his or the site’s glorification. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s temple will be glorified, not Aurangzeb’s grave, Fadnavis had said.

In the meantime, Shiv Sena Leader Rahul Shewale met Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to place the party’s demands on the Removal of Aurangzeb’s Tomb from National Monument list.
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__Inputs from PTI, ANI, FPJ, IANS and The Hindu.